Performance of a photocatalytic hybrid system coupled with a stainless steel membrane for removal of humic acid

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of a photocatalysis/H2O2/metal membrane hybrid system in the degradation of humic acid. A metal membrane of nominal pore size 0.5 μm was used in the experiment for separation of TiO2 particles. Hydrogen peroxide was tested as an oxidant. The efficiency of removal of CODCr and color increased rapidly for initial hydrogen peroxide concentrations up to 50 mg L−1. The efficiency of removal of CODCr and color by 50 mg L−1 initial hydrogen peroxide concentration was approximately 95 and 98%, respectively. However, addition of hydrogen peroxide over 50 mg L−1 inhibited the efficiency of the system. Addition of hydrogen peroxide to a UV/TiO2 system enhanced efficiency of removal of CODCr and color compared with no addition of hydrogen peroxide. This may be ascribed to capture electrons ejected from TiO2 and to the production of OH radicals. Application of the metal membrane in the UV/TiO2/H2O2 system enhanced the efficiency of removal of CODCr and color because of adsorption by the metal membrane surface and the production of OH radicals. By application of a metal membrane with a nominal pore size of 0.5 μm, TiO2 particles were effectively separated from the treated water by metal membrane rejection. The photocatalytic metal membrane had much less resistance than the humic acid, TiO2, and humic acid/TiO2 because of the degradation of humic acid by the photocatalytic reaction.